“Once upon a time, there were four little rabbits, and their names were Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail and Peter. They lived with their Mother in a sand-bank, underneath the root of a very big fir-tree…”
And so begins the tale of cheeky, little Peter Rabbit. Continue reading “Tea Time at the Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe”
A dash of luxury on a Sunday afternoon? Why not! Jiyugaoka is known for its chill but cool vibe – every day of the week – and is often referred to as one of Tokyo’s most desirable neighbourhoods to live.
As I explored the streets around the train station, I couldn’t help but kick myself for not visiting this area sooner. It had taken me 3 years to get around to making the half hour journey from my house, and just a couple of hours to fall in love with it. I finally understood why Jiyugaoka was so popular.
Every corner was full of surprises. Brick-paved streets, dog friendly shops, fancy boutiques, a Peter Rabbit cafe, an 800-year-old Shinto shrine, super cool murals, leafy green walkways, and a mini replica of Venice. With a mini canal, florists, outdoor seating and French flags flying high, I felt like Jiyugaoka was more of a ‘Little Europe’ than Kagurazaka. Everyone – kids, teenagers, adults – looked happy and relaxed. The mood, in one word, was ‘sunny’!
I love that Jiyugaoka is only an 8-minute train ride from hectic Shibuya, yet the pace is completely different. It’s the perfect getaway without having to leave the city, and I’d have to agree, would be a great place to live.
